July 4

A berg present help in trouble. — PSALM xlv. 1.

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. — MATT. xlv. 27.

"JESUS constrained his disciples to get into a ship and go to the other side" away from influences which tended only to the carnal and temporal; and "he himself went up into a mountain apart to pray." If we would escape temptation, we must flee from it and draw nigh unto God. And sometimes it may seem that in escaping temptation we fall into dire calamities. The winds may be contrary, the waves may be rough and boisterous, the night may come on dark and starless, and yet it were better to be overwhelmed in such a sea than to be engulfed in sin and error. But Jesus does not forget his disciples. High on the mountain-top he prays, and in the hour of need comes with almighty help to convert our calamities into blessings.

We are sailing to the other shore. Sometimes the sea is wild and raging; sometimes the heart is troubled like the sea, but Jesus comes walking on the angry waters, and over the roar of the tempest, within and without, we hear his voice, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid;" and that voice brings a calm to the sea and the soul. And when he bids us come to his side, we can look to Jesus, and walk, like Peter, on the angry flood. But if we look away from Jesus to the threatening tide and storm, our faith will weaken, our courage will fail, our feet will sink. But happy for us even then if there yet remaineth faith to cry, "Lord, save, or I perish;" for in that hour Jesus will stretch forth his hand to save, and to bring the peace which the soul needs.

Robert Moffett

Ridge of the mountain-wave, lower thy crest!

Wail of the tempest-wind, be thou at rest!

Sorrow can never be, darkness must fly,

Where saith the Light of light, "Peace! it is I!"

J. NEALE (Translation).